Persecution for righteousness

BethanySMC - Thursday, 20 October 2011 02:46

Mt.5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

When we talk about persecution most of the time we mean persecution for faith: harassment, punishment designated to grieve, afflict, injure or cause to suffer because of one’s belief. To be persecuted for righteousness’ sake is not much spoken of. Some of us have not experienced the happiness of being persecuted for righteousness, while other are already used to such persecutions. Every time it comes their way they receive it with joy remembering the promise – for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus knew that persecution will be a daily bread for His people because the king of this world – the devil, cannot tolerate those who invade his territory by pursuing and promoting righteousness. The time will come when devil will not be able to reach us. We will be in the kingdom where no evil can be found. However, until then- we are here on this earth, as a minority, holding the light in the obscured darkness on the enemy’s ground. That explains why we have become the target for the devil and those who serve him. Blessed are you if you will hold your light and suffer patiently until the end. Your day of victory is coming! Stay strong, hide not your light and run not away from the battle!

Until the end of the ages, darkness will not comprehend the light. In John 3:19 we read thatlight came into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. When you pursue what is right and what is holy, if the goal of your life is to please God – you will stand out of the crowd and your light will be visible. The intimidated, challenged darkness will do everything it can to stop you! Some people are mocked, harassed, others are injured or even killed. If you are one of them who chose to live righteously you should expect persecution because every step you make, you expose someone’s darkness.

Your righteous life is like a thorn in the eyes of this world and to those who hide behind false religion, as well as those who live in sin and enjoy sinful pleasures. When they see your life, the way you approach obedience to the word of God, the way you conduct yourself – it bothers their conscience that was put to sleep in the darkness. Suddenly on the left and on the right you will hear something like “crucify him”, “away with him” and when the world hates you this is the perfect time to rejoice because it makes it obvious that you belong to another kingdom – the kingdom of heaven! Blessed are you for you are on the right path. It is much better to endure such persecutions for a little while, than to blend in with the crowd who chose darkness.

Some practical ideas you can do in your pursuit after righteousness.

Speak the truth

Do not be involved with anything dishonest

Keep your heart pure from all evil and lusts

Conform your heart, life style, goals and even appearance to God’s divine law and high moral principles

No compromises! No matter how appealing it is to the flesh

Do not try to be accepted – be an example

Occupy your mind with thoughts of integrity

Adopt Psalm 101 as your rule of life

Psalms 101 1 <<> I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.